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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Stardust Studio Etsy Shop Review and Giveaway

One talent I've always wished I had was the ability to paint. I've loved to take pictures for many years now, and I have my photos displayed in different framed collages around my apartment. Photography is wonderful, but what's even greater is the skill to paint what you're looking at. Transferring a still photo that's able to come alive on canvas is a true talent. Luckily, I'm able to enjoy others' masterpieces.

The Stardust Studio is an Etsy shop ran by owner Nicole. Nicole specializes in creating unique, detailed and high quality custom pet portraits with a twist of whimsy. These hand painted creations are done to order. I love the fact that she adds her own unique flair to each portrait. You should always have something that sets you apart from others, and Nicole certainly does. She is very easy to work with. You just simply email over a picture of your choice of your pet and Nicole will discuss with you if you'd like certain colors, background themes, etc. She takes it from there and lets her paintbrush work its magic. A custom pet portrait makes a perfect present for any pet owner, especially if they just added a new four legged baby to their family.

I've never had my own dog in my adult life before. I grew up with Colby who was really my mom's dog. My parents took on the responsibilities of owning a pet, and all I really did was play with her. Now that I'm 24 and an adult pet owner, everything is very different. I have to make sure I feed her, take her out, confirm that she's happy, go to the vet, give her medication, etc. Her well-being depends solely on my fiance and I. At the moment, I have no children, so Carolyn is like a child to me. Parents display their child's photos in their home, so I'd love to display Carolyn's in mine! I thought it would be a very unique and fun twist to have a portrait painted of Carolyn, rather than just frame a couple of pictures of her to put on my side table.

Nicole was kind enough to agree to paint Carolyn. I sent her the picture of my choice and we agreed on the background color of pink. I did ask to see her initial sketch, just to confirm it was to my liking. When I saw the sketch, I knew that I would love the painting. Soon after that, the painting was in the mail. Well, today it arrived!

Carolyn on a canvas! This portrait is painted on a high quality gallery style stretched canvas. It is topped by a permanent glossy finish. It's protected from water, UV damage and dust for years to come.

I chose this picture of Carolyn for Nicole to paint because it's my favorite one of her. She's in her fabulous Smucci bed, surrounded by comfort and her favorite pizza toy. She's looking out the window. I feel that this picture captures her personality quite well and I wanted to document it in paint form. I chose pink as the background color because it compliments black well and I love the pop of color too.

Nicole did an amazing job in capturing every detail of the picture. She made sure to include the red pepperoni on her toy, and the white dots and stripes on her bed. The painting is high quality and I am very satisfied with the results. She painted Carolyn well and I feel that it really does look like her! There's no mistaking those ears. :) The canvas is durable and sturdy.

I have not hung the picture yet, but I think I will place it on the space above my nightstand. I'll definitely enjoying looking at it and it will make me smile for years to come.

If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or relative, why not have their beloved pet painted? It's certainly something they won't already have!

I would LOVE to win this! Nicole's work is absolutely beautiful and I am moving into my new apartment soon. A custom picture of my dog, Athena ,who recently passed away, would go perfectly in my new living room. Being a college student who hasn't lived on my own very long, I haven't accumulated enough quality art work to decorate even a small apartment. Please consider me! Thank you!- Rita

I would really love a portrait of my little dog, Starbuck (named for the modern-day Battlestar Galactica character, and NOT the coffee!). She's mostly black, but has a 5-point white star on her chest. She's a very pretty little dog and I would love to capture her in a forever setting. Thank you!

I want a photo of my cat Stubby... he is a special cat since I gave him as a kitten to my Dad and when he was a little over a year old my Dad passed away, but before he did, he made me promise to take his cat.

My dog had been through a lot, previous to us adopting her. She wasvan unwanted puppy that had been abused to almost the point of death. A painting of our beautiful white pitbull would be perfect to represent who she is today and how strong she was.